**From Off-Grid Peace to Hospital Alarms: Our Stroke Survival Journey**
Two weeks ago tonight, our peaceful, off-grid life in the New Mexico desert took a sudden and frightening turn. Brent—also known as Advocatus from our band *Advocatus Diaboli and the Grim Leafer Band*—began experiencing facial twitching. What we initially thought was a pinched nerve quickly spiraled into something far more serious.
Just a month earlier, Brent had lost movement in his arm and hand. Urgent Care diagnosed it as a pinched nerve and recommended an orthopedic visit. We booked the appointment, unaware that something much more dangerous was brewing beneath the surface.
The night we walked into the ER, everything changed. After hearing his symptoms, the medical team rushed Brent back immediately. That’s when real fear set in. X-rays and a CT scan revealed that Brent was having a stroke—and that the symptoms in his arm had actually been from a previous stroke, likely occurring around the time we visited Urgent Care weeks earlier.
A follow-up MRI confirmed it.
During his week-long hospital stay, Brent struggled with speech, and doctors were uncertain if he’d ever be able to sing again. For a man whose life revolves around music, it was a devastating possibility. But Brent is a fighter.
He underwent surgery to repair a clogged artery in his neck. Now he’s home, slowly regaining his strength. He’s singing again—his voice may not be at full strength yet, but it’s there. His arm is still affected, but we’re seeing small signs of progress. Only time will tell how much mobility he’ll recover.
These last two weeks have been filled with fear, uncertainty, and hard adjustments—but also love, resilience, and hope. I couldn’t be more proud of Brent. We are thankful for every day, every note sung, and every small step forward.
If you’ve followed our journey or are new to it, thank you for being here. Life off-grid isn’t always easy—but it’s real, it’s raw, and it’s ours.
http://www.advocatusdiaboliandthegrimleaferband.com
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#StrokeSurvivor, #AdvocatusDiaboli, #OffGridLife, #HealingThroughMusic, #DesertLiving, #MusicTherapy, #RecoveryJourney, #IndieBand, #InspirationalStory, #LifeAfterStroke, #GrimLeaferBand, #NewMexicoLife, #SupportLocalMusic, #StrokeAwareness, #NeverGiveUp
Tag: desert living
Cleaning Up the Yard & Enjoying Time with Our Furry Kids – A Productive Day in the Desert!
**A Productive and Enjoyable Day in the Desert**
Today was a beautiful day—perfect for getting things done and spending some quality time outdoors. Before taking Anne to work, we took some time to clean up the yard, making our space a little more organized and refreshing. It always feels good to keep things tidy, especially out here in the desert where the elements can quickly take over.
After the work was done, we made sure to enjoy the day by playing with our furry kids. They always bring so much joy and energy, reminding us to take a break and appreciate the little moments.
Living out here, every day is a balance between work and enjoying the simple things. The weather has been great, and it’s days like these that make life in the desert feel just right.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#DesertLife, #OffGridLiving, #SimpleLife, #RVLiving, #OutdoorLife, #SelfSufficient, #HomesteadLife, #PetLovers, #FurryFriends, #ProductiveDay, #NatureLover, #CountryLiving, #MinimalistLife, #PeacefulLiving, #IndependentLiving
Off-Grid Challenges, Campground Life, and a Unique Animatronic Band You Don’t Want to Miss!
**Balancing Off-Grid Living, Campground Life, and the Band**
As winter lingers, each day brings a touch more daylight, but our lives remain packed with activity. Between managing the campground, handling the weather’s unpredictable nature, and juggling personal commitments, things have been anything but quiet.
Our campground has been bustling with campers, weather preparations, and engaging with our growing membership community. The off-grid lifestyle demands constant attention to ensure everything runs smoothly, from solar maintenance to accommodating guests in changing conditions.
Meanwhile, the spotlight is on **Advocatus Diaboli and the Grim Leafer Band**, as we gear up for an exciting performance this Sunday at **Juno Brewery in Albuquerque**. With the band’s unique blend of music, humor, and animatronic theatrics, this show promises to be unforgettable. Preparing for a performance like this involves countless hours of rehearsals, refining timing, and ensuring every detail aligns for an exceptional experience.
As we juggle these aspects of life, we are reminded of why we chose this path—living authentically, embracing challenges, and sharing creativity with our community. If you’re in Albuquerque this weekend, come out and join us for an evening of boundary-pushing entertainment!
**Stay tuned for updates and insights from our off-grid adventures and band performances.**
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
Www.advocatusdiaboliandthegrimleaferband.com
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#OffGridLiving, #CampgroundLife, #DesertAdventures, #AnimatronicBand, #LiveMusic, #SolarPower, #SustainableLiving, #RVLife, #JunoBrewery, #AdvocatusDiaboli, #GrimLeaferBand, #UniqueEntertainment, #CreativeLifestyle, #BandPerformance, #DesertLiving
Off-Grid Life: Sunlight Struggles & Community Wins in the New Mexico Desert!
**Life Off-Grid: Balancing Sunlight, Solar Power, and Community in the Desert**
With the last bits of snow now melted away, the desert sun is shining brighter each day, though not quite enough to keep us powered through the night. Living off-grid means relying on solar energy, but even here in the New Mexico desert, sunlight isn’t always a guarantee. We’re planning to build another solar array soon to increase our energy capacity, but timing is everything. On the rare calm days with mild weather, other responsibilities often take priority.
### Building Our Off-Grid Community
We’ve also welcomed a few long-term members to our off-grid community, and it’s been rewarding to see them embrace the membership program. Here, members find a unique balance of freedom and security. They each have their own small piece of land to call home, creating a space that reflects their individual personalities and needs. But there’s also the reassurance of nearby support. Members can turn to one another for advice, help with projects, or even just a friendly conversation, while still enjoying privacy and personal space.
### Benefits of Off-Grid Membership
Our membership program isn’t just about living off-grid—it’s about building a community that values independence and self-reliance, while also supporting one another. Members experience:
– **Personal Freedom**: The freedom to live off-grid, with few restrictions, allowing members to create a lifestyle that suits them.
– **Community Support**: Having others nearby who understand off-grid living and are willing to lend a hand or offer advice.
– **Privacy**: The ability to enjoy their own space while being part of a close-knit community.
As we continue to build out our solar capabilities and enhance our facilities, our community remains at the heart of what we do. Here, we’ve created a space for those who seek both independence and camaraderie, and it’s rewarding to see others enjoy this way of life as much as we do.
Www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLife #DesertLiving #SolarPowerStruggles #WinterInTheDesert #NoPowerProblems #LivingSimply #CommunityLife #RVLiving #EcoFriendlyLife #SnowyDesert #SolarEnergy #KaHoonCampground #OffGridCommunity #MakingItWork #LifeUnplugged
Morning Off-Grid in the New Mexico Desert | Solar Power, Coffee, and Winter Chill
**Desert Morning Off-Grid**
The sun peeks over mountains wide,
Charging batteries, our faithful guide.
Snow is melting, earth laid bare,
In crisp, chilled air, desert flair.
The cold clings close, a stubborn guest,
But heat hums gently, granting rest.
Coffee brews, rich and bold,
Warming hands in the morning cold.
Off-grid life, a steady beat,
In desert sands, sun and sleet.
With every dawn, we find our way,
Living free, day by day.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLife #DesertLiving #NewMexicoDesert #SolarPower #SustainableLiving #CoffeeTime #SnowInTheDesert #MorningRoutine #EcoFriendly #RVLife #LivingSimply #DesertSunrise #NatureLife #MinimalistLiving #LifeUnplugged
Snow Day Off-Grid in the New Mexico Desert | Clearing Solar Panels & Embracing Winter’s Beauty
Snow Day in the Desert: Embracing Winter Off-Grid with a Dusting of Snow
Waking up this morning to a snowy landscape in the New Mexico desert was a refreshing surprise. The ground is covered in a beautiful, crisp layer of snow, reminding me of the long Minnesota winters I used to endure. Today’s task: clearing the snow off the solar panels, hoping for even a sliver of sunlight to keep our power running through the night.
### Snow in the Desert vs. Snow in Minnesota
Snow in the desert doesn’t last long. In a day or two, it’ll melt away, and the sun will return to recharge our solar batteries. Unlike the endless winter months back in Minnesota, where snow seemed to settle in for a long stay and freezing temps often meant you’d think twice before braving the outdoors.
### Benefits of Desert Snow
Here in the desert, snow feels more like a treat than a chore. It brings a temporary beauty to the landscape without the drawbacks of prolonged cold or cabin fever that’s hard to shake in places where winter drags on. Once the snow melts, life here returns to normal. No snow shovels gathering dust, no icy roads—just a momentary visit from winter.
### Off-Grid Snow Day Tips
For those living off-grid, snow days do require a bit of preparation. Here are a few tips we follow to stay ready:
1. **Clear Snow from Solar Panels**: Even a small amount of sunlight can make a difference, so we remove as much snow as possible.
2. **Conserve Power**: Cloudy days require us to be mindful of energy use, so we scale back on lights and devices until the sun is back.
3. **Embrace the Cozy Factor**: While we don’t run our propane heater all day, we bundle up and enjoy the cozy, quiet moments a snow day brings.
Winter in the desert may be fleeting, but we’re grateful for these brief, beautiful reminders of snow without the hardships that come with a long, snowy season.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#SnowInTheDesert #DesertWinter #OffGridLife #SolarPower #EnergyConservation #WinterWonderland #RVLife #DesertSnow #KaHoonCampground #PlateauHameDeColquhoun #SustainableLiving #EcoFriendlyLiving #MinimalistLife #SolarPanels #CabinFeverFree
Starry Nights & Outdoor Movies: Creating Magical Moments in the Desert with Neighbors
Finding Connection Under the Stars: Outdoor Movies in the Desert
Sometimes, it’s the simplest moments that bring the most joy. Last night, we shared one of those with a neighbor—an outdoor movie under the desert’s endless sky. As the sun dipped below the horizon and the desert quieted, we set up the projector, tossed some blankets down, and sat back with popcorn to watch a film together. It’s these small connections that make life out here truly special.
### Creating Community in the Desert
Living in the desert has its challenges, but it also creates a unique environment for connection. Out here, where there’s open land and starry skies, we often find ourselves naturally bonding with neighbors over simple activities. An outdoor movie may seem like a small gesture, but it turns into something magical under the desert stars.
### Why Moments Like These Matter
Life can get busy, and it’s easy to lose track of what really brings us happiness. That’s why we cherish moments like these. Sitting under the stars, hearing the soft hum of the desert around us, and watching a story unfold on the screen brings a sense of peace and togetherness that’s hard to find anywhere else.
### Make Your Own Magic Outdoors
No matter where you are, bringing a little creativity to your gatherings can turn any space into a memorable experience. All it takes is a little preparation and an open mind. Next time you’re craving something different, try setting up an outdoor movie, gathering a few friends or neighbors, and enjoying a night under the stars.
In the end, these small, shared experiences are what build lasting friendships and memories.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OutdoorMovieNight, #DesertLife, #StarryNights, #CommunityGathering, #SimpleJoys, #DesertLiving, #MovieUnderTheStars, #OutdoorEntertainment, #CampfireVibes, #DesertCommunity, #OffGridLife, #MakingMemories, #LifeInTheDesert, #NatureConnections, #EveningUnderTheStars
Screw the Lemons, Make a Sandwich: Embrace Life’s Challenges with Humor and Simplicity
Screw the Lemons, Make a Sandwich: Finding Humor in Life’s Challenges**
Sometimes life hands you lemons, and everyone tells you to make lemonade. But let’s be real—who has time for that? I say, screw those lemons and make yourself a sandwich! Life’s challenges are tough enough without being pressured to turn every sour moment into something sweet. So, here’s my approach: when things get tough, embrace the chaos, find some humor, and make a sandwich instead. Here’s why.
### When Life Gets Messy, Go Simple
We all face those days when nothing goes right. You spill your coffee, your car won’t start, and you trip over your own feet. That’s life throwing lemons at you. Instead of trying to concoct some magical “lemonade” solution, sometimes it’s better to go back to basics. Make a sandwich! It’s comforting, it’s simple, and most importantly, it’s delicious. Plus, there’s a lot of power in taking a moment for yourself to just breathe and reset.
### Embrace Imperfection
Not everything needs to be perfect, and that’s okay. Life is messy, and so are sandwiches. You don’t need to have all the answers or fix everything at once. Sometimes, you just need to slap some cheese between two slices of bread and laugh at how crazy life can be. Trust me, it works!
### Laugh Through the Lemons
Laughter is one of the best ways to get through tough times. When things aren’t going your way, take a step back and see the humor in the situation. Whether it’s your overly complicated “lemonade recipe” (aka, overthinking) or the fact that nothing seems to go as planned, a good laugh can make all the difference. Life is too short to be serious all the time—sometimes you just need to laugh at the lemons and move on.
### Make Your Own Rules
Here’s the real lesson: you don’t have to follow life’s recipe. Don’t like lemonade? Don’t make it. Want to add peanut butter to your sandwich? Go for it! The beauty of life is that you get to decide how to handle the challenges thrown your way. When life gives you lemons, you’re allowed to do whatever works best for *you*—whether that’s making lemonade, a sandwich, or just tossing the lemons aside and moving on.
### Final Thoughts
Life’s tough, but it doesn’t have to be bitter. Next time you’re faced with a challenge, remember to take it easy, laugh, and do what feels right for you. And if that means making a sandwich instead of lemonade, then you’re doing just fine.
Www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#ScrewTheLemons, #MakeASandwich, #LifeChallenges, #FindTheFunny, #EmbraceChaos, #HumorInLife, #StayPositive, #PlateauHameDeColquhoun, #KaHoonCampground, #DesertLiving, #UniqueCamping, #OutdoorAdventures, #LaughItOff, #LiveYourWay, #StayInspired
Desert Community Rallies Together: Home Dialysis Help & BBQ Fun!
**Community Support and Togetherness in the Desert**
As previously discussed, having a supportive community is vital, especially in the remote desert where assistance from state and county officials can be challenging to obtain. Here, our neighbors have become more than just people living nearby; they are family.
One of our neighbors, who undergoes dialysis in Albuquerque three times a week, faced financial strain due to the travel expenses. Recently, he was approved for home dialysis, but needed to make some modifications to his home. In response, our community rallied together to help. We removed cabinets and benches to make space for the new equipment and uncovered additional issues that will require future attention.
We extend our gratitude to Red Gorilla Studios for their generous donation of a recliner, which is essential for his treatment.
After a few hours of hard work, we celebrated with a BBQ, practiced archery, enjoyed some music, and relaxed together. This sense of community support and togetherness makes all the difference in our lives out here.
Www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#PlateauHameDeColquhoun, #KaHoonCampground, #CommunitySupport, #DesertLife, #HomeDialysis, #NeighborlyHelp, #RedGorillaStudios, #DesertCommunity, #SupportLocal, #ArcheryPractice, #BBQAndMusic, #Togetherness, #RemoteLiving, #DesertNeighbors, #HomeImprovement
Desert Monsoons and Music: A Day at Ka-Hoon Campground
**Embracing the New Mexico Desert Life**
Yesterday, we planned to start a new project, but with rain in the forecast, we decided to hold off. The project will take a few days to complete, and we don’t want it to get damaged by the weather. That’s why we’ve delayed starting and focused on other tasks instead. We spent some time in the studio, working on our next upcoming show. Later, we headed to the Greenroom with a few friends, hung out, and enjoyed leftovers from the Saturday night private gathering. It was a cooler day, which made it all the more enjoyable. Anne and Scar Kitty even decided to spy on my phone, which, of course, meant snapping a picture.
The monsoons have been hitting us nightly, cooling things off a bit, but also making the roads muddy. The yard flooded the night before, but the arid desert sand soaked it up by mid-morning. The rains have helped the weeds—mostly tumbleweeds and yucca with small clumps of grass—grow, which means we’ll have to do the dreaded mowing of the whole grounds soon. On the bright side, the campers stayed dry, and their tents remained undamaged.
That’s life in the New Mexico desert—it’s either hot, windy, or monsoons. Despite the challenges, there’s a unique charm to it that we wouldn’t trade for anything.
Www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#KaHoonCampground #EventCenter #PlateauHameDeColquhoun #AdvocatusDiaboli #GrimLeaferBand #RedGorillaStudios #NewMexicoDesert #MonsoonSeason #OutdoorLife #DesertLiving #GreenroomHangout #Tumbleweeds #StudioTime #UpcomingShow #DesertAdventures
Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center 